The NBN was hailed as a nation-building milestone, yet we have an opposition policy platform slated to deliver a short-term benefit, still at significant cost. Education policy reform on the basis of input funding rather than holistic educational outcomes seems curious.

Why are we beset by short-termism?

Perhaps we have succumbed to personality government, where opinion polls drive the behaviour of politicians who want to hold on to their jobs.

Perhaps we’ve failed to appreciate the insidious impact of all those forces that continue to flatten our world, including technology that shortens our attention span and ignores consequence.

Our colonial forefathers were not so constrained. They invaded, explored and invested in social and physical infrastructure for our benefit.

So, let’s reclaim our future. Why does Australia exist? Should Australia exist? How might we best contribute to the welfare of our citizens with consequence not only at home but in our global world?

What are we going to do that will play to our ambition? With that plan, let’s be very clear about how we want our citizens and the world to experience Australia.

We’re here for the long term. Now, let’s demonstrate our resolve and get on with it.